NITI Aayog has proposed a series of regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening India’s professional services sector, improving the mobility of skilled professionals and expanding the country’s global services exports. The recommendations are outlined in its latest report, India’s Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services.
The report examines regulatory frameworks covering legal services, accounting and auditing, architecture, engineering, healthcare and allied healthcare. NITI Aayog has identified regulatory fragmentation, licensing requirements and difficulties in recognising qualifications as areas that could limit the sector’s international competitiveness.
Among the key recommendations are clearer and more consistent regulations, easier professional licensing, greater mobility across states and improved recognition of Indian qualifications in overseas markets. These measures are intended to make it easier for Indian professionals to provide services internationally and for foreign-qualified professionals to operate in India.
Professional services already account for nearly one-quarter of India’s total services exports, making the sector an important contributor to foreign exchange earnings, high-skilled employment and the wider services economy. NITI Aayog believes a more efficient regulatory environment could help Indian professionals move further up the global value chain.
The report also highlights the need to adapt professional regulations to emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, technological change and evolving international demand. It recommends adopting global best practices and strengthening continuous professional development to improve productivity and service quality.
NITI Aayog said a well-designed regulatory ecosystem could strengthen cross-border professional mobility, improve ease of doing business and unlock greater export opportunities. The proposals form part of broader efforts to position India as a stronger global services hub and support the country’s long-term economic growth.